It’s been a week since week 2 of Stories from the 428 closed- and I thought it would be nice/handy or interesting to write a little reflection on Week 2- and perhaps on the whole reflection of the project. I am in the process of de-briefing with all the directors about the project (and the process) – and this is always an important part of everything I do- it helps steer my projects, my design, my plan and focuses my passion for new work.

There couldn’t have been a more different experience for the bump in/tech of Week 2’s show. 5 directors completely prepared- wrangling blocking of a cast of 34- and 18 pieces overall. A bigger week- epic in cast and ambition. I can’t say I wasn’t a littel nervous about how this would appear. Double the cast of Week 1 (how DID that happen?) and more works. Where as Week 1 was more introspective (and contained more watery/rain references- yes the bus trips were taken in the rain)- Week 2 was a kaliedoscope of ensembles tumbling out like a morris minor filled with clowns. Two of the writers Lenton and Marlow especially responsible for the more sketch comedy style plays- fun/funny and very entertaining- a very different texture to the literary texts of Freidman and Janaczewska- or the stylistic adventurousness of Corin and Abela… or even the poetic of Erskine and Edgerton. Week 2 fulfilled the design of the project in a much more whollistic way- all writers travelled on the same bus at the same time together (this didn’t quite happen in Week 1) and the directors worked collegiately sharing actors and resources. So in the lead up- this process was working- perhaps the festival feel of the pieces helped this along? I don’t know- but the feel was very different. Not better. But different.

Tech happened. It was fun. Directors ready, clear and excited and ready to solve their own and each others challenges. And I must say that having 5 stagemanager types in the room (one actual, 3 directors who are ex stage managers and a Production manager who is a stage manager by trade) was wonderful and made everything easy.

Dress run with the actors was easy. A little weird having 34 actors to contend with- but wonderful none the less! I was scared I would look greedy or disorganised having that many actors on stage- that I was being indulgent or sloppy… and there were some decisions that needed to be made and I made them (like not having full cast on stage at all times). But it went brilliantly- actors stepped up- directors stepped up- and it was smooth and without a hitch.

Two tragedies happened that week, however. One: A director had suffered a personal loss- and had two funerals to attend in one day (wednesday) and as I had hoped- anything she needed the other directors pitched in and supplied. Two: after the dress rehearsal one night one actor (one of my favourite all time actors I have worked with) Mary Sherman, was in a motorbike accident and was rushed to the emergency department of the hospital. The director of the pieces rang me as soon as he heard and we went straight into solution solving- within 2 hours Mary’s role was recast into 4 actors who were in the cast- Cheryl Ward, Mark Dessaix, Matt Charleston, Lib Campbell came to the rescue… I went to the emergency room with a bag of snacks and foods and some of my favourite Little Golden Books to see my beloved Mary. She is recovering well and I have promised to work with her again when she is better- she is a marvellous and beautiful actor and a sublimely genuine and interesting person- the show was very different without her- but talent like her’s can’t and wont be kept down and I can’t wait to see her return to performing once she has had a full recovery.

Opening night glistened. Adrenilin/panic is an amazing thing- the evening was a rollicking adventure of a fountain of energy and fun and set up the week as one where we were turning people away at the door most nights… which was especially relieving as it was a long weekend AND daylight saving changed the times too! I couldn’t be more proud.

Of course the main thing about the 428 Project was the idea of a colleagiate team- a team who worked together to conquer an amazingly ambitious and multifacetted project which was about the community of commuters and artists who live in the area. The idea was about promoting bus travel- celebrating the good bad and the ugly of commuting. Recognising that Australian writers are up for a challenge and willing to work- and WORK HARD… that actors are brave enough to take a punt on a concept and on new work. That directors CAN work together… and really at the end of the project, the tail to this comet continues to streak across my heart.

Remarkably- it was the team who was spectacular- PJ Gahan- ever calm, clear and efficient (a multi tool triumvirate of Production Manager/Stage Manager/ technical Manager), Miles Thomas (Lighting designer), Alison Murphy -Oates (Stage Manager/mother/ friend/ Seamstress/ list maker/ legend), Gavin Roach (Sponsorship Coordinator/comic relief/ caterer/ friend), Julia Lenton (publicist/ marketing manager/ foyer decorator/ confidant/ door bitch/ list keeper/ venue liaison), Gemma Lark Johnson (Designer/ sign writer. prop maker/ costume maker), Karolina Novak (Artist/ graphic Design/ print manager), Jeremy Silver (composer/sound designer/ sound compiler/ APRA advisor) Rosie Chase (composer/ singing teacher/ musician/ counsellor), Grant Moxom (webdesign/cheerleader).

EVERYONE involved went above and beyond- and all I can say is that I am humbled by the energy, the passion, the professsionalism, the commitment, the humour, the community of artists which defied gravity and expectations and made Stories from the 428 what it was. And it is impossible to do anything but remember never to underestimate artists and their ingenuity, their drive, passion and focus- and I am honoured to keep such company.

Thank you to all who came along to support the show… and All the artists and crew on board (whether it was for three months or for one month) – Theatre is what you make it.

The Comfort of Old Slippers
A short play

Characters:
Mervin: man of indeterminable age
Sue: woman of indeterminable age

Space:
Blank Box. TV, 1 Armchair, remote control.

* Indicate the next line is spoken over the top of the speaker.

(Very dim light. Man (Mervin) sitting wide eyed motionless in a chair. Breathing heavily. Occasionally snorting and snuffling. In a dressing gown. The sound of a very slow clock. Woman (Susie) pale. Invisible to him. In white ugly shapeless dress. Blue light of the TV on Mervin’s face. Circles under their eyes. They haven’t slept.)

Mervin: I don’t know if baked beans are baked. They seem boiled. I think its Tuesday. Last Wednesday I went to the shop. Bought milk and milk and milk and bread and milk and butter. I couldn’t understand the girl that took my money. She spoke funny. That’s all. (Calling to the cat) Mittens! Mittens? Mittens? Bloody cat.

Sue: He got run over.

Mervin: Mittens?

Sue: He won’t come

Mervin: Mittens?

Sue: He won’t.

Mervin: Mittens?

Sue: He’s not a dog.

Mervin: Mittens?

Sue: And he’s dead.

M: Bloody cat!

Sue: Probably. Well since the car hit him.

(Soundscape: Price is Right. Mervin is watching. Sue walks in with a cup of tea and an iced vo-vo biscuit on a rattling tray)

Mervin: Thirty eight thousand! Move it there. Swap it with the holiday. No other way around! Moron! Nah you lost it. Can’t stand it. Bloody stupid.

Sue: Why do you watch it?

Mervin: Stupid people.

Sue: You should go on it, try your luck.

Mervin: I could do a better job than them

Sue Go on… win the Jet Ski.

Mervin: Or I might win a jet ski.

Sue: Or a trip to Townsville.

Mervin: I’d want the dryer more than a holiday.

Sue Your socks are damp again.

Mervin:Everything is damp. I can feel the mould.

Sue You should throw out those oranges. They are more blue than orange. The blueness is poison. It can kill *you

Mervin: *Mittens?

Sue Mervin!

Mervin: Oh that’s right. The cat’s on holidays. Townsville I think. Riding a Jet Ski.. Bloody Cat.

Sue Should change the channel it depresses you.

Mervin: The news is good. That Jessica Rowe really likes me. I know she does. But I am not ready for a relationship. She’s always really nice. Never tells me what to do. Always smiling. Smiles with all those teeth. She’s always smiling… except, of course, if a backpacker has been found somewhere they shouldn’t be*

Sue: *Like in the ground. (She drops the cup… it smashes)

Mervin: In pieces in the forest. But I’m not going to let her know. Not yet. Sometimes when I am about to… she says, “See you tomorrow and have a good night” I can’t let her down after that.

Sue The tea towels are damp.

Mervin: And who knows- it wouldn’t work out. Then she’d send me photos of her and mittens on Jet skis in Townsville. Best if I don’t mention it… keep her guessing. Women like men who are aloof. Unavailable. Strong. Makes them feel like they have to earn it.

Sue: There is Campbell’s Minestrone Soup on the boil.

Mervin: I hate celery.
Sue: I know you do.

Mervin: I hope I never have to eat it ever again*. People on their diets.

Sue: *But you have never eaten it.

Mervin: Baked Beans. Man’s Food.

Sue: Its spring outside. Everything is blooming. Remember those camellias outside your mother’s house? She’d be inside with an apron on … making dinner for the family… lipstick on… and a crystal vase full of flowers on the hat stand. That smell. Reminds me of you. You. Before that chair knew the shape of your… your. And I was a visitor in that house. I spent those times looking at the lino peeling up from the kitchen floor hoping you would make some sort of declaration.

Mervin: Fisherman’s friends. Look like kitty litter. Don’t taste like it. Not as crunchy. And a different shape.

Sue:I am going now. You’ll never see me again.

Mervin: (singing) Rowe Rowe Rowe Your Boat
Gently down the stream
*Jessica Jessica Jessica Jessica
You look good in green. (repeat X 2)

Sue * (trying to yell over Mervin) I am going now. Bye! I’m gone! You can’t see me! I’m not here anymore!

(Pause)

Sue: (Calling from outside the theatre in a small voice) I’ll see you tomorrow Mervin.

END

Brand Spanking New is a fresh and exciting opportunity for writers and directors to work on new scripts, new relationships and new ideas in a safe and supportive environment: at the New! Chosen out of 80 applications and a sea of accomplished writers, the scripts represent a cross section of current Australian writing: Sometimes terrifyingly brave, at times brutal, frequently tender and often mind-bendingly funny.
The style, methodology, philosophy or theme of each play represents an important facet of a diverse (and therefore healthy) theatrical eco-system. Tonight celebrate the new work and bravery of these collaborators.
As disperate as this suite of plays may appear, Barbara Bryce’s overarching design concept unifies the seemingly un-unifiable, whilst Catherine Robinson’s composition provides a gritty/raw underscore.
I congratulate all involved in this project, and thank you, the audience, for supporting the inaugural season of Brand Spanking New

PLAYWRIGHT: Nick Perry (UK)

PERFORMANCE DATES AND THEATRE: February 5th-10th, Newtown Theatre

DIRECTOR: Augusta Supple

CAST: Valentino del Toro, Mary Sherman and Grant Moxom

BRIEF SYNOPSIS: I’ll tell you what this play is about, its about a man called Colin! No.. Actually its not, it’s about chickens…. No actually its about leaking taps. Actually, I have no idea…perhaps you can help me?

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BIOG INFO, CONTACTS AND LOCALITY (for writer, director & cast members):

WRITER: Nick Perry
SUBURB (or City/Country): London, England

BRIEF RESUME/CREDITS
Theatre – Arrivederci Millwall (Albany Empire, Samuel Beckett Award winner), Smallholdings (King’s Head Theatre), The Vinegar Fly (Soho Poly), Near Cricket St Thomas, 1919 (Stephen Joseph Theatre). Television – Rockliffe’s Babies (BBC), Tales of Sherwood Forest (Central TV), Clubland (BBC), Hitler’s Bomb (BBC), Nuclear Secrets (BBC). Film – Arrivederci Millwall, Tube Tales, The Escapist.

DIRECTOR: Augusta Supple
SUBURB: Petersham, Sydney
EMAIL: augustasupple@hotmail.com

BRIEF RESUME/CREDITS:’
2007
• I wrote a monthly column for Artshub called “Return to Oz” Detailing the journey returning to Australia after having a theatre career in Canada.
• I’m one of the Sydney reviewers for theatre website: www.australianstage.com.au
• Directed ”Unspoken” by Wayne Tunks for New Theatre’s 75 years celebration: Art is a Weapon”, in which my direction was described as “impressive” by www.aussietheatre.com.au
• My previous Short & Sweet Offering was “Sexual Perversity in Prague” which won the People’s Choice Award , Gala Final, 2007
• When in Canada I assistant directed Uk Director Jon Oram in a production which had 160 cast members called “The Gifts of Time”
• Artistic director of Guelph Youth Theatre 04/06

DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR: Barbara Jean Bryce
LOCATION: Ontario, CANADA

BRIEF RESUME/CREDITS:

Selected Design and Assistant Design Credits include:Lettice and Lovage (Guelph Little Theatre) Cinderella (Guelph Little Theatre), Emperors New Clothes (Elora Festival Childrens Theatre Camp), Tryst and Snout (James Gordon), Bell Book and Candle (Touchmark), Hard Scrabble Road (James Gordon) Alone in a Crowded Room (Short Film), Two Steps and A Glass of Water (James Gordon/Sparks of Brilliance), Gifts of Time (Guelph Community Theatre Project), 13 productions for Sue Smith’s Season Singers Theatrical Childrens Choir, 5 productions with Guelph Youth Theatre and numerous projects, events and festivals with Sonic Playground, Musical Adventures for Children.
Barb has Illustrated for “What If Magazine”and for a childrens book about whales which will be published this year.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS:

Besides playing with theatre design Barb enjoys drawing, working with stained glass and practicing Tai Chi. Barb and her husband Ricardo Ramirez live in Guelph with two fantastic grown up kids, an orange dog, an orange cat, and an organic garden.

ACTOR: Valentino del Toro

BRIEF RESUME/CREDITS
Valentino del Toro comes to the role of ‘The Lecturer’ in ‘An Illustrated Talk’ directed by Augusta Supple. With roles in Feature Films such as “To Hell and Back”, “Gabriel” and “Fools Gold” plus starring in the TV Series, Hal & Di McElroy’s “Sea Patrol” and the 2006 series of Bryan Brown’s “Two Twisted” where he starred alongside Jacqueline Mackenzie. Valentino has worked alongside some highly acclaimed directors including Richard Frankland, Shane Abbess, Andy Tennant and Chris Martin-Jones who have provided great inspiration. Recently Valentino made his directorial debut with his film “Love Always xx” starring Bel de Jersey and Ben Raglione. Theatre credits include ‘Side Serve of Shorts’ directed by Marianne Power, and dual roles in ‘As You Like It’ as the Dukes.

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ACTOR: Mary Sherman

BRIEF RESUME/CREDITS
Training:

Singer Dancer Actor – NIDA
Certificate IV Musical Theatre – Nirimba TAFE
Levels 1 & 2 Improvisation – Impro Australia
Grades 1-8 Speech & Drama – Trinity College London

Credits:

“Joseph & His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” – Director – Penny Presents Charity Performance
“The City Of The Plains” – Mary – CSU Premier, Bob Ellis
“Return To The Forbidden Planet” – Cpt Tempest – MacKillop College
“The Gondoliers” – Inez/Ensemble” – MacKillop College
“Laughter In The Rain” – Soloist – TAFE Graduation Performance, Newtown Theatre
NIDA Showcase 2005 – Soloist – Singer Dancer Actor
Ensemble roles: “42nd Street”, “Little Shop Of Horrors”,”The Mikado”,”Bye Bye Birdie” – Carillon Theatrical Society (CTS)
Voice Overs: Publicity for Western Institute of TAFE – Radio Commercial, Telephone Answering Messages – Allans Music, Mood Media Australia Pty Ltd.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS:
Grew up in Bathurst community: the local newspaper the Advocate used to get lots of pictures of me doing particular things around the area – performing, getting scholarships, being in the Youth Council etc – they might help spread the word through country towns?

- Nirimba Education Precinct – TAFE, I attended that for Music Theatre, perhaps they’d be interested in knowing. (Sarah Matthews-Libke was in charge when I went there)

-Impro Australia might be interested? – Lyn Pierse

-I grew up on a lettuce farm – that might be a funny angle?!! My dad’s a poor lettuce farmer & we had to get out there & work at 5am each morning through our xmas holidays as well as school mornings sometimes… meaning we had a lot of time in the hot sun to explore our creative talents – farm work makes you a little crazy!!

ACTOR: Grant Moxom

BRIEF RESUME/CREDITS
Tom in ‘Away’ by Michael Gow
Roy in ‘Cosi’ by Louis Nowra
Lysander in “Midsummer Nights Dream” by William Shakespeare

2008 – Studying for a Bachelor of Arts at UNSW, majoring in Psychology & Theatre whilst working part time with computers.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS:
Manly Selective High School.
Performing as Lysander in “A Midsummers Night Dream” at Manly in Late February.

SUGGESTED PUBLICITY ANGLE FOR AN ILLUSTRATED TALK

This production, though a maximum of 10 minutes in length in its performance time, has many more hours put into it in rehearsal and preparation…. As all plays do… but this one is unique in that the creative process spans 3 continents, and 3 time zones thus: the key creatives are working on this play 24 hours a day!

Barb in Canada has been preparing sketches and providing ideas since December via the internet: scanning in illustrations, sketches and notes on the design and story.
Nick in Uk has been providing supportive and excited notes ont eh script and has been in contact with Augusta (Gus: the director) at least once a week. The grand orchestrator of this show is Augusta… who firmly believes, that all plays , short or full length deserve to be the best they can be… and with short and sweet, it allows you to go as big, as creative and in my case as international as I want… because this is a project which is to be enjoyed… for the actors and for all involved…